Most helpful customer reviews

Let it be said firstly that I LOVE Built to Spill. Doug Martsch, for me, is one of those quirky musicians that I just connect with. The sonic clutter that he has found on their later albums is for me a wall of sound that sucks me in like an addiction.Somewhere between Grunge and the Indie Rock of later Built to Spill lies this album. The album is all over the map with tempo changes galore as one would expect from Built to Spill. The ideas on this album, however, aren't fleshed out at the same level of later BTS. Obviously, this is the work of a younger band learning to bounce ideas off one another, and at times it works. At others, however, it's just plain awkward. The acoustic addition at the end of Shameful Dead is one of these moments.Still, for a BTS fan it's a fun listen to hear how this band developed into what they've become. If it's your first BTS album that you're looking for, however, then turn back to the more mainstream catalog and do yourself a favor by picking up Keep It Like A Secret. It's their most instantly catchy, and if you don't like it, you'll never find yourself tapping your toe to this one.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)

Amazon.com:
23 reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

Great AlbumJan. 24 2000

By
Neal M. Ellis
- Published on Amazon.com

I would have to rate this album toward the bottom of my favorites with respect to all of the Built To Spill Albums. It is better than "The Normal Years" and just about ties with "Keep it Like a Secret" the 1999 release. If this is your first Built To Spill purchase, I would recommend either, "Nothing Wrong With Love" and secondly, "Perfect From Now On." "Perfect.." is less accessible than "Nothing.." but a more innovative album all around.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

It all began with this.Oct. 25 2007

By
E. Jankowski
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Audio CD
Verified Purchase

This CD is the first cd I bought by BTS many many years ago. I loved and love it. They have changed, however this still holds a great deal of quality. Very lo-fi. On a personal note there are a mere few songs that can bring me to tears. "Hazy" on this album is one of them. After riffs etc with those I've care deeply for, ie those who are more than friends, I have had occasion where I played this and "Hazy" brought be to a pure raw sobbing. HIGHLY recommended.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

It's an acquired taste - give it timeSept. 7 2000

By
"rock_fan"
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Audio CD

Built to Spill ROCKS! These are creeper hooks. The guy who listened once, fast forwarded then returned - big mistake buddy!! The music is more complex than a 1-listen decision. This is like your favorite buds. It creeps up on you, then you are so hooked you can't get it out of your head.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

rrrrrramblingOct. 8 1998

By
A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Audio CD

the first full length recording by this sometimes one man sometimes band, always amazing artist. Doug Martsch is the master of the macking melody, and if you have any doubts as to the validity of this statement, play a BTS album for your girlfriend and see if she doesn't sigh &her eyes don't get all far-away looking. "the first song" is. "three years today" will make you want to stand up and go back to sleep. The uninitiated will undoubtedly mutter "Dinosaur" comments, but soon, you'll see that J couldn't mack this well if his sex life depended on it. In short, this man knows what he is doing, which is weaving glory, us & soundscapes into my mind's ear for what may as well be the end of time. B T S is on tour as we speak so look for them and go see 'em, they don't move east of Idaho too much anymore.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

Great if you already like Built to SpillAug. 8 2005

By
Stephen
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Audio CD

This album is VERY cool. More in the style of 'There's Nothing Wrong With Love'. Less polished than the newer ones, but in my opinion, just as good as those. I hesitated a long time to buy this one. I even saw it in the stores when it was still in print. Too bad I waited, but it is a nice one to have while we're waiting for the new one to come out (Fall 2005). However, don't spend the inflated prices you see from greedy music dealers unless you just can't wait.

If you're new to Built to Spill, best ones to start with are "Keep it Like a Secret", "There's Nothing Wrong With Love" or "Ancient Melodies". "Perfect From Now On" is indeed PERFECT, but not for the uninitiated.